Reath, Jean (Nee: Tindall), of Lethbridge, formerly of Vulcan, and beloved wife of Jim, slipped peacefully away and entered into the loving arms of her Lord and Savior at the Chinook Regional Hospital in Lethbridge on August 28th, 2016 at the age of 91 years.
Jean was born May 7, 1925, third oldest child of eight, to Harold and Ula Tindall, on the family farm east of Champion. Jean attended Yale and Harmony High School.
On Oct. 19, 1943, she married Dorn Ruggles and together they raised 5 children, Kenneth, Harold, Jerry, Keith and Karen. Dorn passed away on December 13, 1975 at Kelowna B.C and is buried in the Champion Cemetery. Jean and Karen returned to the Champion area in 1976 where she married local farmer Jim Reath on November 14, 1976. They resided in the Alston district for many years.
Jim and Jean retired to Vulcan in December of 1997. They were both actively involved in the Church of Christ in Vulcan and enjoyed several bus trips across Canada and the United States. They also loved to camp in their RV out in the Foothills. Jean loved music, was an avid reader, and tackled the daily crossword puzzle in the paper with great enthusiasm right up until the final weeks of her life. She was known for her hospitality, quick wit, strong will, tender heart, and for being a prayer warrior. Jean loved her family, but first and foremost, her identity was found in her personal relationship with the Lord.
Besides her loving husband Jim, Jean is survived by her children- Ken (Judy) Ruggles of Summerland, BC, Harold Ruggles of Yellowknife, NWT, Jerry (Anita) Ruggles of Hay River, NWT, and Karen (Peter Stock) Ruggles of Lethbridge, seven grandchildren, nine great grandchildren, one brother- Herb (Jeanette) Tindall of Calgary, three sisters- Dora Schmeelke of Champion, Ruth (Richard) Hunter of Penticton, BC, and Joyce (Lee) Davis of Lethbridge, and numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents Harold and Ula Tindall, first husband Dorn Ruggles, son Keith Ruggles, and sisters Marion Matlock, Mildred Olds, and Betty Killick.
A Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, September 1, 2016 at 1:30 p.m at the Vulcan Central Church of Christ, Pastor David Sarsons officiating. Interment to follow at the Champion Cemetery.
The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the caring staff of Unit 4 A and to Dr’s Mahkdoom, Bruwer, and Shukoor for making the final days of Jean’s life as comfortable as possible.
Tributes in Jean’s memory can be made to the Southern Alberta Bible Camp, Box 99, Lomond, AB T0L 1G0 or the Vulcan Regional Food Bank Society, Box 594, Vulcan, AB T0L 2B0.
Arrangements in care of Vulcan Funeral Home. Telephone 1-403-485-2633. E-mail condolences through www.vulcanfuneralhome.ca.
Karen
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family . Big hugs to you on this day and hope the memories of your mom help you through this tough time.
To Dora Schmelkee; Laura, Bill,& Glenn and families,
My thought and prayers are with you today. May the loving memories of Jean help you through this time and may you all find some peace. She will always be on your mind and forever in your heart.
In friendship and heartfelt sympathy